ORANGE BOWL: Florida State (11-2) vs. Northern Illinois (12-1)

When: Jan. 1

Where: Miami

Time/TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

INSIDER’S GUIDE

Florida State

Which EJ Manuel will show up?: For two years now, we’ve watched the enigma that is Florida State’s quarterback. One game, he’s magnificent; the next, he’s lost. Coach Jimbo Fisher’s offense revolves around the quarterback making good decisions—and not so much on the running game—which has led to some dicey moments the past two years. Could this be another?

Win the battle up front: Even with the loss of star end Tank Carradine to a torn ACL, FSU still has an elite, two-deep defensive line that is the foundation of the unit. They stuff the run, rush the pass, allow the linebackers to freelance and give the defensive backs more margin for error. The best way to attack them: Run right at them—which is something NIU can do.

Is Florida State finally back?: There’s a reason this program has been in a decadelong funk. All season, Fisher has preached to this team to be different from the ones that went before it. Maybe finally breaking through and winning the ACC championship helped; maybe this team is finally beginning to understand what it takes to win on the big stage.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

His name is Jordan Lynch: If you remember nothing about Northern Illinois, remember the Huskies’ quarterback. If he were playing at a BCS school, Lynch would be a big star with big numbers—maybe even a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. As it is, he put together a magical season in the MAC: 4,463 total yards (1,771 rushing), 43 TDs (19 rushing) and only five interceptions.

The Huskies’ motto: Run, run, run: Lynch is an accurate and efficient thrower, but this is a run-based system. The running revolves around Lynch, but the Huskies get others involved in the spread option running game. Akeem Daniels has been the latest tailback to assume the lead role, getting 240 yards and five TDs in the final two games of the season—on just 29 carries.

Keep Florida State off-balance: It’s an ugly reality: The Huskies will be undersized (and overmatched) on both lines of scrimmage. They don’t deal well with physical, point-of-attack teams (see: the loss to Iowa), and Florida State’s ability to control the interior will cause them to struggle. That’s where Lynch’s ability to take the snap and throw quickly—and accurately—will be critical.

NFL PROSPECT TO WATCH

FLORIDA STATE

JUNIOR DE BJOERN WERNER, 6-4/255

An outstanding pass rusher with good strength, power and speed, Werner has probably already played himself into a top five draft spot. He might not have many opportunities against the run-heavy Huskies, but it will be fun to watch him vs. Jordan Lynch.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS JUNIOR QB JORDAN LYNCH, 6-0/216

In a great year for dual-threat QBs, and Lynch’s production was up there with that of the big names. Although he most likely will return to NIU, this will show scouts how his power-rushing talents will play on a bigger stage. FSU’s defense will be a good test.

UNDER THE RADAR

FLORIDA STATE REDSHIRT FRESHMAN WR KELVIN BENJAMIN

His freakish size (6-5, 243) has drawn comparisons to Randy Moss. The problem: The numbers haven’t been there, a result of a struggling quarterback or conservative play-calling. Either way, FSU has to find a way to get him the ball. He is averaging 16.6 yards per catch with four TDs.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS SENIOR DE ALAN BAXTER

When you're not in one of the BCS conferences, everyone is generally under the radar. But Baxter is the best rush end in the MAC. He has nine sacks and 11 tackles for loss, a quick move off the edge and is powerful enough to anchor in the running game.

NUMBER THAT DEFINES THEM

FLORIDA STATE 121: That’s the number of sacks the ’Noles have accumulated the past three seasons under coordinator Mark Stoops, second in FBS. All-American end Bjoern Werner and blitzing linebackers have a lot to do with it, but will Florida State maintain that pressure philosophy with Stoops’ departure for Kentucky?

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

11: Lynch’s consecutive 100-yard rushing games, an FBS record for quarterbacks. Lynch also set the single-season mark for rushing yards by a quarterback. Without him, the Huskies might not have won five games.

SIGNATURE WIN

FLORIDA STATE

The victory over Clemson might be Florida State’s only big win—and that includes the ACC championship game. This was also the best game of Manuel’s career, which might be why his performance was so frustrating the rest of the season.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS

That the MAC title game went to double overtime was drama enough. But consider this: Other than that game, NIU’s resume includes a loss to a bad Iowa team and victories (some ugly) over easy competition. The Huskies weren’t on the BCS radar until the win over Kent State, No. 17 in the BCS standings entering the game.

SN SAYS

Florida State will be playing without its defensive coordinator, Northern Illinois without its head coach. And you know what? The ’Noles will still probably struggle to put away the Huskies, but they’ll get it done.